Retired Lt. Col. Albert Seaver endured nine months as a prisoner of war after the bombardier's B-29 Superfortress was shot down during the Korean War.

Seaver was one of 13 crew members aboard the plane when enemy fire forced him and 11 others to bail out. He parachuted to the shores of the Yalu River in North Korea. The pilot died in the attack.

Throughout his nine-month ordeal, Seaver was subjected to physical and psychological abuse. Several times, his captors pressed a pistol against his temple and pulled the trigger, but the chamber was empty.

“The Air Force doctors told my mother when he returned that the POWs would either talk about their experience a lot or they wouldn't talk about it at all,” son David Seaver said. “He didn't volunteer things all of the time, but if you asked him, he would tell you anything you wanted to know.”

Something that helped Seaver get through his captivity was lending a hand to fellow POWs. His generosity is depicted in a letter his son recently found.

“The letter was written by a lieutenant thanking my father for helping him through a rough patch while in solitary confinement,” his son said. “It was written while he was in the camp. It talks about how my father gave him a nickel, which was half of my father's possessions.”

He added, “It also talked about their faith and how that helped them. My father was always a man of faith, and that experience strengthened his faith. He recited the 23rd Psalm all the time while he was in prison.”

Seaver lived for six decades after his ordeal. He died Jan. 28 of a heart attack at 90.

After being repatriated, Seaver was stationed at Air Defense Command sites around the world.

At 47, Seaver retired from the Air Force after a career that also included Army Air Corps service in World War II.

He earned a degree in history and focused on volunteerism. He often could be found at SAMMinistries serving meals, manning the kitchen and providing overnight security.

He also contributed financially to many organizations, including helping Air Force Village buy new gym equipment for residents.

“He taught me courage, discipline, responsibility and to love my country,” his son said. “The last thing I told him, besides that I loved him, was thank you for everything you taught me.”